As part of its commitment to empower employees and make the workplace a happy space, PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) held a hybrid parenting workshop, particularly for dads in the company.

Titled “Connecting, Understanding and Guiding Everyday Parenting” the workshop aimed to highlight the importance of fathers, building a positive relationship, co-parenting, taking care of oneself, and keeping children safe.

The workshop featured a talk by Joey Ong, the founder of DadBudPH, a community platform that has become a space for Filipino dads to connect, find support, and share their experiences of parenting from the perspective of fathers.

Ong shared his experience about being a father at the beginning of the pandemic and creating a face shield for his newborn son from a soda bottle, which became viral on social media at the time. He also advocated for breaking gender roles in the household and supporting their partners in childcare.

Meanwhile, Mitch Locsin, FVP and Head of Enterprise and International Core Business at PLDT and Smart, shared how he set rules and open communication with his children, which sometimes led to topics which are normally difficult to talk about. AJ Morales of People Group shared the excitement, fear, and hopes of someone who just entered fatherhood.

“We understand the challenges of fatherhood, and this session is designed to engage the fathers and father-figures in our workplace, enabling them to learn and support each other through shared experiences and nuggets of wisdom,” said Maye Rubio, Vice President and Program Management Head for Org Planning and Optimization at PLDT.

The speakers also engaged in a question-and-answer session with the audience to further share their experience on how to improve their relationship at home.